African Violet / Saintpaulia
Streptocarpus ionanthus
description
African Violet is a compact flowering houseplant with fuzzy leaves and jewel-toned blooms.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Flowering
- Suitable for containers
How to care for African Violet
sunlight
In their East African forest habitat, African violets grow in bright, filtered light rather than open sun. At home, give them even indirect light to support compact growth and regular blooms.
Medium indirect light - tolerated
A few feet back from an east or north window can keep the leaves healthy, but flowering may be lighter. Move closer if growth stretches or blooming slows.
Bright indirect light - ideal
Place near an east window, or behind a sheer curtain at a south or west window. Bright artificial light for about 10-12 hours daily also works well.
watering
Spring and summer
In bright, warm conditions, this is often about every 5-7 days. Check the soil first: it should feel barely dry at the surface and the pot should feel lighter, not bone dry. Water thoroughly, then let excess drain away.
Autumn and winter
With lower light and slower growth, water roughly every 7-14 days. A small pot, warm room, porous mix, or active flowering can shorten the interval, while cool, dim conditions and a larger pot lengthen it.
humidity
African violets come from humid, sheltered forests in Tanzania, so they flower and grow best with gently moist air rather than dry indoor heat.
Preferred humidity
They usually cope with 40-60% humidity in a typical home. Below about 40%, leaf edges may turn crisp or brown, buds can dry up, and growth may slow.
- Group plants together or use a small humidifier nearby.
- Set the pot on a pebble tray with water below the pot base.
- Keep it away from radiators, heating vents, and cold drafts.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Native to warm, sheltered East African forests, African violets prefer steady indoor warmth. Keep them away from chilly glass and hot air vents, as temperature swings can slow growth and reduce flowering.
nutrition
March - September
Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer made for flowering houseplants, diluted to about half strength. Feed only while the plant is actively growing or blooming. In lower winter light, pause or reduce feeding until growth resumes.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the soft, fuzzy foliage. A balanced fertilizer supplies enough without pushing lots of leaves at the expense of flowers.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports roots and flowering. Use a flowering-houseplant fertilizer as directed rather than adding extra bloom boosters.
soil
Light, airy soil that stays lightly moist
African violet roots are fine and dislike both soggy compost and mixes that dry hard. Use an African violet mix, or combine peat-free houseplant compost with perlite and a little coco coir for moisture retention and air around the roots.
pH 5,8 - 6,2
This is slightly acidic, which helps the plant access nutrients well. Most mixes labelled for African violets suit this range, or choose a peat or coco-based houseplant mix rather than a strongly alkaline garden soil.